100 extra riot squad gardai for 1916 events

Policing

Over 100 extra gardai received training for the force's Public Order Unit in 2015 ahead of the Easter Rising centenary celebrations.

Some 120 serving gardai were trained over three weeks in 2015 to deal with public order situations, and will now be eligible to work with the various units that patrol Dublin, as well as large-scale events around the country.

A source revealed how a primary reason behind the extra recruitment for the units - also known as the riot squad - is the 1916 centenary celebrations in April, with fears that the occasion may be hijacked by sinister groups.

Hijack

"There is a concern that a small minority of people will attempt to hijack the event in order to cause carnage, so extra precautions are being taken ahead of the celebrations.

"The equipment that officers in the unit wear costs approximately €1,000 between riots shields and helmets as well as the 'soft' wear gear that is worn, so it shows that slowly more money is being spent in the force," the source said.